actually, I *am* a little afraid to be seen trying...but I'm going to do it anyway
a lesson in trial & error
#WednesdayWisdom
“I am allowed to try new things without knowing what the outcome will be.” ~ Morgan Harper Nichols
Morning Musings
When my homegirl Jessica dropped her latest collection of merch, which included a tumbler that read “I am not afraid to be seen trying,” I knew I had to have it. Even if the phrase didn’t 100% ring true for me at the time. Rather, it was a life (and business) philosophy I aspire to live up to. So what better reminder than a cute tumbler for my morning iced coffee?
The timing of Jessica’s launch was quite serendipitous. You may recall last month I was planning to host a Juneteenth-themed virtual yoga flow. I was super excited for it and had started creating the playlist in my head. It was going to be lit and a lot of Beyoncé (which should come as no surprise to anyone reading this) and Kendrick Lamar (this was before “Not Like Us” blew up, but also…it fits!). I was also planning to donate a portion of the proceeds to Free Root Operation, a Chicago nonprofit founded by my friend and mentee, Eva Maria Lewis.
It was going to be GREAT! And then…no one signed up. So I canceled it.
And if you’re keeping score at home, you may recall this is the second time I’ve had to cancel a virtual event this year due to low (or in this case, no) registration. I could’ve let this seemingly public failure discourage me from putting myself out there again. And the truth is, a year ago I probably would have.
But there is no room for timidness as an entrepreneur. I have to try, fail, pivot, reiterate, try again and again and again (shoutout to Aaliyah). As Jessica wrote in the description for the tumbler:
“This ‘I Am Not Afraid To Be Seen Trying’ tumbler is your daily reminder that showing up, even when it feels scary, is the first step to achieving anything you set your mind to. Whether you're pivoting careers, starting a new venture, or rekindling an old dream, let this tumbler hype you up as you show up and DO THE DAMN THANG! 🙌🏽 "
Another spin on Stop Waiting for Perfect, if you will. 😉
While I don’t love that I’ve had to cancel these events, I am proud of myself for trying. For putting myself out there. For experimenting.
In the coming months, I plan to launch my book coaching services and an online course on how to write a nonfiction book proposal. There is a really good possibility no one will sign up for either offering. And that’s okay. It won’t be the end of the world. I’ll continue to learn, pivot and try again.
What are you afraid to be seen trying and what support do you need to make it happen? Let me know in the comments!
Upcoming Events
August 4: I’m collaborating with Three Avenues Bookshop here in Chicago to bring you a very special event! I’ll be leading a yoga and guided meditation session inspired by Stop Waiting for Perfect followed by a Q&A and book signing. See you there?
What I’m Reading
Sha’Carri Is Going for Gold (Vogue)
I Knew Diddy for Years. What I Now Remember Haunts Me. (New York Times)
Now Hiring
Event & Community Assistant for JWG Coaching
Senior Entertainment Editor for Essence
Finance and Admin Manager for Borderless Magazine
Development Coordinator for Law for Black Lives
Grants Manager for National Network of Abortion Funds
News Writer for The Hollywood Reporter
Manager, Institutional Giving for Breakthrough New York
Freelance Editor (Storytelling) for Big Ten Network
Summer Colors Are In!
Have you checked out the latest Stop Waiting for Perfect merch? New colors and youth sizes are now available!
Thank You
A special thank-you to April, Jeff, Carol, Cait, Amanda, Harleen, Megan, Najja, Jessica, Priti, Cat, Jenna, Mallory, Rachel, Angel, Sarah, Camesha, Vix, Anna, Stephanie, Dominique, Tiffany, Emily, Mabinty, Lindsey, Casey, Lynnae, Dani, Amanda, Raina, Abigail, Sharon, Kristen, Heather, Renae, Jennie, Brittaney, Kyndall, Sarah, Cecilia, Jessica, Kimberly, Jessica, Ean, Lauren and Brittani for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support! 💜
Somewhat related. The studio I’ve been teaching aerial classes closed and is being rented by a group that wanted to severely underpay me so I decided to try and teach on my own doing a space rental. The first week I had 6!! Success. The next week I only had 2 interested which would not cover my cost so.. kinda a failure but you know, I’ll try again. I probably need to put myself out there more to get more students or send more reminders but it’s a fine line between reminding and being a pest! Keep doing what you’re doing. You are already succeeding
I’m proud of you! It’s hard putting yourself out there and sharing your ideas (and yourself 🫣) with the world. It never feels good to have to pivot or cancel but every single one of us has had one of those moments. You are brilliant and creative and your willingness to be seen inspires the hell outta me!